advice needed on a trip to Northampton

[observer]

How would SF members (especially those who might have some information) advise on travelling to Northampton, while transiting through London. The purpose being to get EG CJ Church and Lobb shoes cheap, a pair from each perhaps.

 

[Britalian]

'While transiting through' means... 6-8 hours, a day, more?
Train is the obvious answer for speed but could be pricey. If you're not that pressed for time, rent a car. Take a National Express coach? -Cheaper than train but less comfortable... I seem to remember a thread about this a few months ago; a search might be fruitful.

 

[observer]

Are the shoes much cheaper? Is more than 6-8 hours needed? If one takes the train, would one need a car there?

 

[Britalian]

not sure about the price differential. there are many references to such if you do a search.
Here's a town map for orientation:

 

[observer]

Originally Posted by Britalian

not sure about the price differential. there are many references to such if you do a search.
Here's a town map for orientation:

Brilliant! Many thanks

 

[shoefan]

I believe Edward Green has moved. That looks like their previous location.

EG doesn't have a factory store, so don't count on getting any shoes there.

Lobb does have a store, where their shoes (seconds) were 200 GBP (including VAT) when I visited a couple of years ago. The C&J factory is fairly nearby, but the store may only be open on Fridays and Saturdays. It is about a 1 hour train ride from London's Euston Station to Northampton, and as this is commuter line the service is quite frequent. IIRC, a day return ticket is around 20GBP. Once in Northampton, cabs are probably the way to go, rather than the hassle of renting a car. A cab to Lobb is around 8 GBP from the train station; you might be able to walk to C&J from there, though it might be a 30 to 60 minute walk. The lady who runs the Lobb store will be happy to call you a cab, if my experience is any guide.

 

[johnapril]

Isn't Northampton not so nice?

 

[observer]

Originally Posted by shoefan

I believe Edward Green has moved. That looks like their previous location.

EG doesn't have a factory store, so don't count on getting any shoes there.

Lobb does have a store, where their shoes (seconds) were 200 GBP (including VAT) when I visited a couple of years ago. The C&J factory is fairly nearby, but the store may only be open on Fridays and Saturdays. It is about a 1 hour train ride from London's Euston Station to Northampton, and as this is commuter line the service is quite frequent. IIRC, a day return ticket is around 20GBP. Once in Northampton, cabs are probably the way to go, rather than the hassle of renting a car. A cab to Lobb is around 8 GBP from the train station; you might be able to walk to C&J from there, though it might be a 30 to 60 minute walk. The lady who runs the Lobb store will be happy to call you a cab, if my experience is any guide.

Thanks Shoefan